India pale ales can deliver a bitter wallop on their own. 3 Brothers Hoptimization IPA is a kick to the heart. Dilute with Bourbon Barrel Stout for a beer cocktail that sweetly stirs all four chambers. Fat Dragon, $5

Amari flight at Saison

Amari are bitter Italian spirits served at the end of a meal to ease digestion. Saison is a "bitters" bar — one that stocks nearly a dozen cask-aged infusions of herbs, bark and peel, such as the artichoke-powered Cynar. Let the bartender pick your flight. Saison $12 (choice of three amaro)

Birthday Boy

Medium-bitter Ramazzotti amaro counts cinnamon and orange peel in its secret ingredient list. When blended with bourbon and cognac, this drink acts like a twisted St. Nick, loosening his belt for the holidays. Acacia mid-town, $10

Root Beer Float (for grown-ups)

Cardamaro, a sweet, wine-based amaro, adds interest to a vanilla vodka dessert drink. Local root beer and cream soften the slightly bitter thistle and cardoon flavors to a nutty finish. The Viceroy, $9